How much did a 1955 Chevy truck cost new?
A basic 1955 Chevrolet 3100 pickup started around $1,600 when new; higher-payload models cost more, and a top-end Cameo edition could exceed $2,400. Prices varied by model, cab configuration, and options in Chevrolet’s 1955 lineup.
Chevrolet’s 1955 Task Force lineup and price range
The 1955 model year introduced Chevrolet’s redesigned Task Force trucks, available in several weight classes. Here is a snapshot of the starting prices factory buyers would have faced for the most common configurations.
- 3100 — 1/2-ton pickup: about $1,600
- 3600 — 3/4-ton pickup: about $1,900
- 3800 — 1-ton pickup: about $2,100
These figures reflect base prices for standard configurations before taxes, freight, and dealer-installed options. The price gaps widened with changes in cab style, bed length, and mechanical upgrades.
Higher-end and specialty options
For buyers seeking enhanced styling or capabilities, Chevrolet offered upscale trims and the Cameo series, which carried a premium. The Cameo pickup blended styling upgrades with more features, pushing the price above the standard line.
- Cameo Special Edition and other premium trims: roughly $2,400 to $2,600, depending on options
In practice, the final price a buyer paid in 1955 would also be affected by dealer discounts, optional equipment, color choices, and regional pricing variations. For many customers, the decision came down to whether more cargo capacity or a higher level of trim and style best fit their needs.
What buyers got for their money
At the entry level, buyers received a rugged work truck with the new Task Force styling, improved chassis, and updated cab comfort. Higher trims offered additional chrome, improved upholstery, and extra convenience features that reflected Chevrolet’s push to blend utility with a touch of luxury in a pickup.
As with many classic trucks, the value for a 1955 Chevy in today’s market depends on condition, originality, and documentation. Restored examples and well-preserved originals can command premiums in auctions and private sales, but the sticker price at the time of sale remains a snapshot from the mid-1950s.
Summary
In 1955, Chevrolet priced its basic 3100 pickup around $1,600, with heavier-duty 3600 and 3800 models coming in around $1,900 and $2,100 respectively. The Cameo high-end edition carried a premium, typically in the $2,400–$2,600 range. These figures reflect standard configurations before optional equipment and dealer adjustments. The exact price for any given truck would depend on options, cab style, and regional factors.
Endnotes and context
For collectors and historians, the 1955 Chevrolet Task Force line marks a milestone in truck design, balancing workhorse practicality with modern styling cues. If you’re researching a specific VIN or build sheet, consult period catalogs, dealer brochures, or archival ads to verify the exact factory price for a given configuration.
In sum, a 1955 Chevy truck was affordable as a work vehicle in its day, with prices climbing in step with capability and luxury features, a pattern that echoed across American pickup trucks of the era.
